Experiences with the New York State Bovine Leukosis Virus Eradication and Certification Program

Abstract

The Diagnostic Laboratory at the Veterinary College at Cornell University has offered a bovine leukosis virus (BLV) eradication/ certification program since 1985. The program has been popular with purebred breeders since its inception. Recently, many commercial dairymen have also begun participating to reduce the high incidence of clinical leukosis observed in their heavily infected herds. Eradication is achieved through a management and testing program designed to meet the needs of each farm. Over the years, experiences and observations have elucidated a number of factors that significantly affect the rate of progress and time required for a herd to become "BLV-Free."